American Airlines Policy for Plus-Size Travelers

If a customer needs extra space outside a single seat to travel safely, another seat is required. We encourage customers to address all seating needs when booking.

• When you call to book, Reservations will make sure you get 2 adjacent seats at the same rate.
• If you didn’t book an extra seat in advance, ask an airport agent to find out if 2 adjacent seats are available.
• You may be offered a seat in a higher class of service that may provide more space; in this case, you’ll be responsible for the fare difference.
• If accommodations can’t be made on your original flight, you can buy seats on a different flight at the same price as your original seats.

American Airlines is one of my favorite domestic airlines, I’m not sure if it is just nostalgia when I fly with them or if it’s just the fact that I’ve always found the seats to be comfortable, but when it comes to their policy for plus-size travelers I definitely think differently. 

In 2018 we launched Airline Policies for Plus-size travelers since then a lot has changed in the travel industry. 

With more information available and more influencers talking about traveling as a plus-size individual we wanted to provide more in-depth and up-to-date content for you. 

Policy for Overweight Passengers

Just like many other airlines, American Airlines (AA) states that “if a customer’s body extends more than 1 inch beyond the outermost edge of the armrest and a seat belt extension is needed, another seat is required”.

Since the majority of individuals aren’t carrying a ruler around and a lot of fat individuals don’t need a seat belt extender this policy can make it difficult and embarrassing for many travelers when it needs to be enforced.

In my personal experience, you can need a seat belt extender and never extend into a seat next to you, but you might also have the opposite depending on how you are built.

In these cases, travelers can ask a flight attendant to be moved if possible or AA will ask the passenger to take a different flight with the purchase of a second seat.

Unlike Southwest, AA does not offer a refund on second seat purchases for larger passengers.

Can You Get a Complimentary Second Seat?

If a flight is not full you can ask to be moved to a seat with an empty adjacent seat to provide you with more room.

You may be offered a  wider seat in a higher class if there are no open seats available. Just know you will be responsible for the cost difference on these seats. 

However, if your flight is full do not expect a free second seat option or upgrade. This is when planning ahead can help save you frustration and money.

Purchasing a Second Seat 

If you opt to purchase a second seat for your flight AA asks that you call to book your reservations instead of purchasing online. 

To book your seats you can call 1-800-433-7300

An agent will help you through the process and make sure you have 2 adjacent seats at the same rate. 

Where does American Airlines Travel to?

American Airlines travels to 269 domestic locations and 81 international destinations.

American Airlines Airbus Seat Sizes

A319

Version 1:

Version 2:

A320

A321

A321 Transcon

A321neo

American Airlines Boeing Seat Sizes

Boeing 737-800 and 737 Max

Boeing 777-200

Boeing 777-300ER

Boeing 787-8

Boeing 787-9

CRJ

CRJ-700

CRJ-700

ERJ

ERJ – 145

ERJ – 170

ERJ – 175

How do you know which aircraft you are booking on?

When you start looking for American Airlines flight times you will see information directly on the search results page that provide you with information about which type of aircraft that flight will be using.

Unlike the chart that AA provides you on seat sizes, the labeling of these aircrafts are not the same.  

However, with a quick Google search you can learn that E75-Embraer 175 is a ERJ-175 and CR9-Canadair RJ 900 is a CRJ-900. 

Seatbelt length for American Airlines?

American Airlines seatbelts rand between 45-47 inches depending on the plane and seat location. 

Can I use a seat belt extender on American Airlines?

Seat belt extenders are available on American Airlines. Flight attendants will discreetly hand you a seat belt extender when you ask either at the beginning of boarding or when you are at your seat.

Can I bring my own seat belt extender?

The FAA states that airline customers should not utilize their own seat belt extender.  The reason for this is because seat belt extenders provided by the flight attendants are checked regularly for safety purposes, while your personal extender is not. However many individuals feel more confident flying with their own extender. Want to know how to ask for a seat belt extender, check out this post.